2020 Paul Jaboulet Domaine Roure Crozes Hermitage, Northern Rhone

From a property in Gervans, the 2020 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Roure features classic granite aromatics of crushed stone and cassis, plus hallmark mineral-like austerity and reserve. It's medium to full-bodied, yet not overly tannic or concentrated. Readers should note there was no 2019 bottled, but the 2018 is an excellent wine.

Between my hectic schedule of visits and Caroline Frey's racing around to direct harvesting in Switzerland, Burgundy, the Rhône and Bordeaux, we were unable to connect in person this year. She deputized Robin Jullian, a former cellar hand turned export manager, to taste through the wines with me. The style of the white wines has changed somewhat, although Jullian pointed out that they're actually more like they would have been in the distant past. Picking dates appear to have been moved forward, and the wines are seeing much less oak than in recent history. The 2020 Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg, for example, is completely unoaked, aged exclusively in concrete. I confess I had some difficulties grappling with this, writing in my notes at one point, "Nothing resembling Hermitage as we understand it." The reds were more consistent with my expectations, with the 2019s looking particularly strong and cellar-worthy here, and the 2020s (from barrel) being softer and more elegant.

90-92 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com

The 2020 Crozes Hermitage Domaine De Roure is more focused and austere, with some background wood in its darker berries, graphite, ground pepper, and bouquet garni-like nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. It's another beautiful wine that will age gracefully.

93 points jebdunnuck.com